FAQs about Los Gatos, California

Los Gatos is located in the western portion of Santa Clara County, California, at the base of the Santa Cruz Mountains. It’s about 60 miles south of San Francisco and approximately 11 miles southwest of San Jose.

“Los Gatos” means “The Cats” in Spanish. The town was named after the cougars (mountain lions) that once roamed the foothills surrounding the area.

Los Gatos enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate with pleasant temperatures year-round. Late spring (April-June) and early fall (September-October) typically offer the most comfortable weather with warm days and cool evenings. Summer can occasionally get hot, while winter brings mild temperatures with some rainfall.

• By car: Los Gatos is accessible via Highway 17 (from Santa Cruz) and Highway 85 (from San Jose)
• By air: The closest major airport is San Jose International Airport (SJC), about 15 miles away
• Public transportation: The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) operates bus services to Los Gatos

While having a car offers the most flexibility, downtown Los Gatos is very walkable. For exploring surrounding areas like wine country or hiking trails, a car is recommended, though rideshare services are readily available.

• Downtown Los Gatos (historic shopping district)
• Vasona Lake County Park
• Los Gatos Creek Trail
• New Museum of Los Gatos (NUMU)
• Historic buildings like the Forbes Mill Museum
• Oak Meadow Park (featuring the Billy Jones Wildcat Railroad)

• Hiking at nearby preserves (Castle Rock State Park, St. Joseph’s Hill)
• Walking or cycling the Los Gatos Creek Trail
• Boating and fishing at Vasona Lake
• Picnicking at Oak Meadow Park
• Wine tasting in the nearby Santa Cruz Mountains

• Los Gatos Music in the Park (summer concert series – Late July and August)
• Los Gatos Wine Walk (spring and fall)
• Los Gatos Fiesta de Artes (art & wine festival the third weekend of September)
• Fantasy of Lights at Vasona Park (December)
• Los Gatos Farmers’ Market (year-round, Sundays)
• Jazz on the Plazz (summer jazz concert series – June – August)

Yes! Los Gatos is located near the Santa Cruz Mountains AVA (American Viticultural Area), known for excellent Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Several renowned wineries are within a short drive, and wine tasting is a popular activity.

While having a car offers the most flexibility, downtown Los Gatos is very walkable. For exploring surrounding areas like wine country or hiking trails, a car is recommended, though rideshare services are readily available.

• Ride the Billy Jones Wildcat Railroad at Oak Meadow Park
• Visit the playground and carousel at Oak Meadow Park
• Enjoy water activities at Vasona Lake County Park
• Explore the interactive exhibits at the New Museum of Los Gatos (NUMU)
• Walk the Los Gatos Creek Trail

With 20 restaurants within the downtown district alone, Los Gatos’ food scene has everything from Farm to Table to Italian, Upscale French to Amazing Taquerias .

Downtown Los Gatos features charming streets lined with boutiques, galleries, and specialty shops. North Santa Cruz Avenue and University Avenue are the main shopping streets, offering everything from high-end fashion and jewelry to home decor and unique gifts.

Yes, the Los Gatos Farmers’ Market operates year-round on Sundays from 8am to 1pm at the Town Plaza Park. It features local produce, baked goods, flowers, and artisanal food products.

Yes, downtown Los Gatos is very walkable with wide sidewalks, pedestrian crossings, and a compact layout. Many visitors enjoy exploring the downtown area on foot.

Parking can be challenging in downtown Los Gatos during peak times. There are several public parking lots and street parking (some with time limits). The municipal lot behind North Santa Cruz Avenue offers free parking, and there’s a parking garage on Montebello Way.

Los Gatos has low crime rates and is generally considered very safe for visitors. As with any destination, normal precautions regarding personal belongings are recommended.

• Santa Cruz and the Pacific coast (30 minutes)
• San Francisco (1 hour)
• Monterey and Carmel-by-the-Sea (1-1.5 hours)
• Napa Valley and Sonoma wine country (2 hours)
• Big Basin Redwoods State Park (40 minutes)
• Silicon Valley tech campuses (20-30 minutes)

Los Gatos is considered part of Silicon Valley. Major tech campuses like Google (Mountain View), Apple (Cupertino), and Facebook (Menlo Park) are within a 15-30 minute drive. The Computer History Museum in Mountain View is about 20 minutes away.

• Los Gatos Creek Trail (easy, paved)
• St. Joseph’s Hill Open Space Preserve (moderate)
• Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve (moderate to challenging)
• Castle Rock State Park (moderate to challenging)
• Sanborn County Park (various difficulty levels)

Los Gatos has a Mediterranean climate with:

• Summer: Average highs 75-85°F (24-29°C), little to no rain
• Winter: Average highs 55-65°F (13-18°C), occasional rain
• Spring/Fall: Average highs 65-75°F (18-24°C), mild and pleasant

• Retail shops: Typically 10am-6pm, with extended hours on weekends
• Restaurants: Lunch 11am-2pm, dinner 5pm-9pm (later on weekends)
• Wineries: Usually 11am-5pm, some open later on weekends
• Museums: Generally 10am-5pm, often closed on Mondays

Los Gatos is considered an upscale community with prices reflecting that status. Dining and accommodations tend to be more expensive than in surrounding areas, though there are options across price ranges. Many outdoor activities and parks are free or low-cost.

• Attend a community event like Music in the Park or Jazz on the Plazz
• Visit the New Museum of Los Gatos (NUMU) for local history and art
• Explore the historic downtown and architectural landmarks
• Chat with proprietors at local shops and wineries
• Visit the farmers’ market on Sunday mornings
• Take a self-guided historic walking tour (maps available at the library or visitor center)